What to do with ourselves? I mean, most of you contributors still have a purpose, so your job security with the editor is sound. But what about me? My life and blood in this blog revolves around politics and gender issues. Not only did the election end, but the lead woman in GOP American Politics went back to Alaska! I’m a lost woman, friends. (I think it is particularly ironic that this foreshadowing about job security in the other blog turned out to be true.)
Well, not entirely so. Us 1982 born democrats calling for change came out on the winning side for only the 2nd time in our lifetimes on Tuesday, November 4th. It was quite the scene. Writers and pundits better than me analyzed this one better than I ever could. All I can tell you is that I was prouder than I have ever been of my country that day. I was brought back to my college days in France during my semester abroad when I felt inclined to reject my nationality and hide the scars of the Bush administration under a fake, Canadian identity. Call me unpatriotic, but I got tired of explaining that not all Americans want to invade countries under bad intelligence and reject diplomacy. How many college juniors will now talk eagerly abroad of their country that elected an African American president only a few decades after racial tensions almost tore our country apart?
All politics aside, it is difficult to dislike Barack Obama. He has an oratorical gift that is rare, powerful, and inspiring. He has a unifying spirit that links us together in a way that is unheard of in our lifetimes. He loves his wife. I may be alone here, but when he thanked the love of his life and his best friend – I cried - screw it, I was already sobbing. He’s intellectual, but not condescending. I think the best thing about Obama is his honesty – he understands that we have serious problems that we face, but he wants to include the American people in the dialogue. That’s something we haven’t had in a very long time.
If I come away with anything from the hours I spent in front of MSNBC this election cycle, it will not be the rise of my favorite Rachel Maddow (although, that is up there), it will be the images on the screen after 11:00 pm on November 4th. I saw people of all ages, races, and backgrounds cheering together, crying together. I myself was moved to tears throughout the evening. We really do all rise and fall together in one way or another, regardless of party. When Obama spoke of the bipartisan spirit of the Republican Party of Lincoln, I damn near thought about joining (I mean not really, but maybe). Here’s to our moment.
On a less serious note, what will we be missing now that the mavericky maverick Sarah Palin is back in Alaska?
Todd Palin!!! The First Dude!!! I like to think of him as a laconic pet puppy. It’s nice to see a House Husband on the national stage and all, but can this guy utter more than a couple syllables at a time? And what was the deal with his concession speech stone face? That was almost as awkward as John and Cindy McCain not looking or touching each other.
Update! Apparently, Sarah Palin has not heard that the election ended. Or she just things it’s time to start campaigning for 2012. So the reality drama continues! I have to admit it, I just can’t stop watching her on her media tour. It’s a bad reality television show folks! Sarah at home. Sarah playing governor. Sarah giving the President-Elect advice!? Who needs funny blogs when you have Sarah!!.
You betcha. Gosh by golly. Well, up here in Alaska…, It’s gotta be, I’m a maverick…. Ah the Palinisms…
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